1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 292 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Because 1978 Bristol 412 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Bristol 412. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Bristol | Nissan |
| Model | 412 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2675 mm |
